University of Idaho President Duane Nellis has announced his plan for the 6 percent mid-year budget cut at the university ordered by Gov. Butch Otter. The U of I considered furloughs, but decided against them for now. Much of the UI's $7.1 million in cuts will come from personnel costs, including eliminating vacant positions and travel; there also will be cuts in operating expenses, capital outlay and reserves. Nellis said the plan "required exceedingly difficult choices, and virtually every part of the university has been impacted." He also called on the state to "protect the essential nature of its investment in higher education," and declared, "Continued disinvestment should no longer be an option." You can read his memo to faculty, staff and students here.

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